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Thursday, June 30, 2011

It has been several years since I visited England (I try to go every other year, but this year has been too busy), so instead of a real life visit, I am contenting myself with virtual visits through books and the internet.

One place that has always intrigued me is Highgrove House, the family home of the Prince of Wales since 1980. The house was built in 1798, and over the years passed through ownership of various families.

This is the earliest picture of Highgrove that I could find from the 'Prince Charles era'. When Prince Charles purchased the house in 1980, it increased speculation that he was preparing to settle down (and indeed, his marriage to Diana took place in February of 1981). Based on the aerial photograph of Highgrove, it appears that only one side has a driveway entrance - note the design of the facade of the house, with its limestone portico. (image source)

According to Wikipedia, Prince Charles embellished the plain exterior of the building in the late 1980s by adding a new balustrade, pediment, and classical pilasters of Prince Charles' own design. I am guessing that this image (showing Prince William and Prince Harry at least a decade older) was after the front of the house was transformed. The new pediment makes the three levels of the house relate to one another, and the front door seems more approachable and friendly. The addition of the greenery also softens the look of the house. (image source)

Another view from the same vantage point. I really like the design of the double front doors and the overlight with an interesting pattern. I wonder why the one window above the front door has shutters, when the other windows do not?

Prince Charles is an avid gardener, and the grounds of Highgrove have provided endless inspiration for him (it is reputed that he has spent more than £500,000 on the gardens). Several books have been written on the gardens of Highgrove (which include a wild garden, a formal garden, and a kitchen garden), including the Gardens of Highgrove (click here) and Organic Gardening (click here). There is also a book on the Highgrove Estate.

For more English country house inspiration, I highly recommend the book The English Country House, by Mary Miers. The book is my favorite coffee table book at the moment (taking a place of honor in the living room), but it is also a wonderful read full of the stories of quite a few remarkable houses in England. Click here to view or order on Amazon.

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comments:

If that does not fit the "idyllic country home" description to a tee, don't know what does. Absolutely magnificent in the most understated way, the gardens, the lush natural looking foliage, the symmetry are all just incredible and such a treat for the eyes and then seeing Dianas beautiful face just made it perfect.

The home and gardens are magnificent. The allee of trees, moss coverd columns and garden gate are so beautiful. Such deatil put into the grounds of the property. We need Prince Charles' landscape budget. Good call on making the changes to the front elevation...giving a very classic look.

one of my favorite british garden styles is shown here to perfection; the wild aspect of the meadow backed by the severely sheared yews......great contrast isn't it?

i studied landscape in england and annually take small groups to english gardens and homes, mostly private. i am in line for a 2012 visit to highgrove. never guaranteed but promising. want to come?bestdebra

I have just returned from a visit to Highgrove. It took a lot of string pulling for our group to get a time slot. No cameras or cell phones allowed. The field of wildflowers is awesome. It is a very personal garden which makes it so special.

my favorite!I just wish there were more pictures of the inside. very very few that i have ever found. even in the books - it's always aobut the gardens!!!are you still selling the intaglios? i need some for a client.

my favorite!I just wish there were more pictures of the inside. very very few that i have ever found. even in the books - it's always aobut the gardens!!!are you still selling the intaglios? i need some for a client.

I visited Highgrove in 2011 with my English boyfriend.....I live in the US. It was quite beautiful and the staff are very gracious. We toured the gardens and then had tea. However some of Englands' National Trust Properties are just as beautiful and you can go inside the estates owned by National Trust. Part of Highgrove is near a noisy highway. In fact Prince Charles has a private spot where he goes to meditate and it is right next to the noisy highway....one would think that he would have chosen a quieter residence.....but it was quite and interesting experience. Chatsworth in the Peak District of England is also worth seeing....go and spend the day....it is the ancestral home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire.

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